Google Really Wants Comic Book Fans To Read Using Google Play Books

Comic books by publishers like “Marvel” and “DC” were already popular among fans since before the flood of superhero movies made the activity more mainstream. However, the release of films like the “Avengers” and “Iron Man” has increased the number of people reading comic books, which is why Google is trying to cash in on the action. With their new feature called “Bubble Zoom,” the tech company hopes to reel in more customers to read using “Google Play Books,” particularly those who are using smart devices.

Reading comic books on a digital format is disconcerting enough for some long-time readers, but the small screen of smart devices can make the experience unbearable, PC Mag notes. With the “Bubble Zoom” that Google is implementing, readers can tap a particular speech bubble on the page to enlarge it and make it readable.

By simply enlarging the bubble, readers can still see the artwork and setting, thus allowing them to stay immersed in the story. Google made the announcement at San Diego Comic-Con and the company hopes that this feature will allow them to bring more readers to “Google Play Books” and make it available for every comic book and manga ever made.

The feature will only be available for Android devices, for now, Forbes reports. This is because the current version is considered a technical preview and not an actual launch. In order to further entice Android users to try the new feature, Google is offering select comic books from both “DC” and “Marvel” at 50% off.

Presumably, these select titles are the ones with which “Bubble Zoom” works best. Customers can use the coupon code SDCC2016 once they check out to avail of the discount.

Innovations in the comic book industry, both in the traditional and digital format have been slow recently. This move by Google is one of the most notable changes made by a major host.